How does it feel to be returning to Connecticut?
“I’m very excited. It’s something that I’ve wanted to be a part of for a long time. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Coach (Mike) Thibault, and I watched the Sun play a lot, even when I was in college. I always admired the way they played. I’m excited to be joining the organization.”
What was your impression of the crowds at Mohegan Sun Arena?
“The crowd always gives me a very warm welcome when I come home. They always stand behind their Connecticut players. It’s weird because, for some reason, the two years I’ve come back to Connecticut, I’ve always played well. I always feel right at home.”
When did you first learn this trade might happen?
“I found out probably two weeks ago when my agent said she had spoken to Coach Thibault, and he was interested in me and was going to try and work something out. It was just kind of a waiting game...I think this is going to be the best situation for me. This was something that I was hoping was going to work out because of my respect for Coach, not just as a coach, but as a person.”
Have you done anything differently this off-season to prepare for 2008?
“This year, I decided to stay here (in the United States) and completely work on transitioning to becoming a three (small forward). I know that for me to be successful, and have a stable home, I need to work on that. I’m really confident in the things I’ve been working on, and I’m really looking forward to putting what I learned to work.”
What has been the toughest part of adjusting from power forward – the position you played at UConn – to small forward?
“The biggest challenge is you have to play 94 feet at the three position. You have to defend the point guard, the two or the three. When you’re used to guarding people with their back to the basket, they’re not usually as quick. I’ve done countless amounts of work, and I’m fully confident.”
You’ve been working closely with John Lucas, the former NBA coach and player. How long have you known him?
“I’ve known John since I was a junior in high school. He has a training school down in Houston where he trains some of the NBA guys. Once I got down to Houston, I just picked up where I left off in high school. He came and watched me play a couple of times with the Comets, and we decided there were a couple of things I needed to work on to be more effective in the league.”
How did you meet Lucas?
“John was the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. I met him at a high school awards dinner where he was the guest speaker. We exchanged numbers, and I called him right away that night. My first workout, I almost quit and went home. It was so hard. I couldn’t believe I was training with an NBA coach. Since then, he’s kind of taken me under his wing.”
